Mark Sanchez Wears the Pride of Mexico in His Mouth

Yes, literally. You know how boxers usually sport their native country’s flag on their trunks? Well, Sanchez is doing the same thing, only with his mouthpiece. In fact, he had the USC team dentist customize it for him with the Mexican flag for the game against Notre Dame.

“He put the eagle with the snake on it — it was looking sweet so I had to wear it,” said Sanchez, who is of Mexican descent.

Sanchez said he took pride in the influence his role as USC’s quarterback could have on youngsters.

“When I see little kids after the game and they’re Mexican like me . . . they see hope,” said Sanchez, who attended Mission Viejo High. “That means a lot to me playing for them, playing for my community and this greater L.A.

“I really take that to heart and I think the mouthpiece is just a portrayal of that.”

Sanchez added, “It’s not a Mexican power thing or anything like that. It’s just a little bit of pride in our heritage. Hopefully, it inspires somebody and it’s all for the best.”
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“That’s fun. I love it. It’s just all part of it,” Sanchez said. “The band’s going to start playing, ‘Lean Like a Cholo,’ or something. Sweet.”

Lean like a Cholo? That’d be interesting. But someone please tell Mr. Sanchez to chill out on the “model for kids” thing. He’s played just one game (though he did look great), and isn’t assured of the starting job. Wouldn’t want any kids rushing out to purchase the jersey of a backup QB. Now, should he put that mouthpiece on Ebay, that would be a different story.